
In the show Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is a basketball-loving boy who is almost always seen spinning a basketball on his finger. In some episodes, the basketball is a motorized prop with a stick through the middle, while in others, it is CGId onto his hand. The character's constant spinning of the basketball has led to speculation about how it was achieved, with some viewers noticing a rod running down the actor's arm in bloopers and certain episodes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of character | Seth Powers |
| Actor | Alex Black |
| Show | Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide |
| Basketball-spinning technique | Motorised prop with a stick through the middle of the ball; CGI in some episodes |
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What You'll Learn

Seth Powers' character
In the TV show Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is a recurring character. Seth is a clueless and basketball-loving boy who is always seen spinning a basketball on his finger. He is also known for making up bad rhymes and commonly saying "laters". Seth is a horrible speller, often spelling basketball with one "l". In one episode, he drops his basketball in art class.
Seth is the object of Moze's affections in seasons 1 and 2, but their relationship never goes anywhere due to their failed attempts at asking each other out. In the episode "Secrets", it is implied that Seth may have dyslexia. Interestingly, Seth becomes smarter after dating Evelyn Kwong.
Regarding the spinning basketball trick, it was achieved using a motorized prop with a stick through the middle of the ball. Seth's hand would cover the stick, and the motor would be kept out of frame by ensuring the back of his hand faced the camera and his elbow was out of shot. In some episodes, the basketball was also CGId onto his hand.
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Basketball spinning techniques
In the show Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is a basketball-loving boy who is almost always seen with a basketball spinning on his fingers. In reality, the spinning basketball is a motorized prop with a stick through the middle of the ball.
Now, if you want to learn how to spin a basketball on your finger, here are some tips:
- Find an old basketball. The grooves in an older ball are worn down, making it easier for your finger to stay on target and balance while you spin.
- Trim your nails. Having a little bit of nail above your fingertip can help with balance, but long nails can get in the way and even break.
- Spin the ball with the index finger of your dominant hand and toss it in the air.
- Catch the ball so your index finger is holding it where the grooves meet in the center.
- Use your free hand to spin the ball more if it starts to slow down.
- Practice until you get it!
In basketball, the spin move is a fundamental ball-handling technique that can be used to evade defenders and create offensive opportunities. Here are some tips for executing the spin move:
- Pulling the Ball Back: Limit exposure by "pulling" the ball back to you on the last dribble after the spin. Get the ball into the opposite hand and into a "blow-by stance" to create space and set up your next move.
- Pound Dribble: The harder the ball comes up in your hand, the longer it will stay there. When you "switch hands," pull the ball around and in front of you to create more space.
- Stride-Stop into the Spin: When setting up the footwork for the spin move, make sure both feet are stable and on the ground.
- Combine with Other Moves: The spin move can be combined with other moves, such as the spin-to-fadeaway or the spin-to-hop step, to create even more effective offensive opportunities.
- Practice: Start practicing at a slow pace and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable. Incorporate the spin move into your regular practice to develop confidence and agility.
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Bloopers
In *Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide*, Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is a basketball-loving boy who is always seen with a basketball spinning on his finger.
In one blooper, Seth is shown messing up his basketball trick. A Redditor revealed that in one of the episodes, there is a blooper reel at the end where Seth fails to spin the basketball, and a metal rod running down his arm is visible. In other episodes, the basketball is CGId onto his hand.
In the show, Seth is a clueless and lovable basketball player and the love interest of Moze in seasons 1 and 2. He becomes smarter after dating Evelyn Kwong, who tutors him. Seth is also known for his bad rhymes and unique spelling of the word "basketball" with one "l".
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Lil Nas X's homage
In the popular Nickelodeon comedy series *Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide*, Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is a basketball-loving boy who is always seen with a basketball spinning on his fingers. In one episode, it is implied that Seth may have dyslexia.
In 2021, rapper Lil Nas X paid homage to the show by dressing up as Seth Powers for Halloween. Lil Nas X's costume included a blond wig, a green tracksuit, a yellow T-shirt, gold chain necklaces, and of course, a basketball, which he was seen spinning on his finger. He even altered the school mascot patch on his jacket, replacing it with his own logo for "Nas's Declassified School Survival Guide". The costume received praise from Devon Werkheiser, who played Ned Bigby in the series, as well as Nickelodeon Germany.
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Romantic interests
Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is a stereotypical dumb jock at school and the love interest of Moze in seasons 1 and 2 of Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide. He is almost always seen spinning a basketball on his finger. Moze is one of Ned's best friends, and by the end of the series, the two realize they have feelings for each other and start a romantic relationship. Seth becomes smarter after dating Evelyn Kwong, who tutors him. He starts dating Evelyn in the episode "Tests", and in the episode "When You Like Someone Who's Going Out with Someone Else," she begins going out with him.
Moze also has a love interest in a Brazilian exchange student in Season 3. She wanted him and Ned to become friends, but they didn't know how to interact until they realized they both resorted to lying to escape awkward situations. He went back to Brazil after his exchange program ended.
Ned Bigby, played by Devon Werkheiser, is the main protagonist of the series and is in love with Jennifer Mosely, also known as Moze. Moze and Ned's feelings for each other are mutual by the end of the series, and they start a romantic relationship.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Seth Powers, played by Alex Black, is always or almost always seen with a basketball spinning on his fingers.
In some episodes, the basketball is CGId onto Seth's hand. In others, the prop basketball has a motor inside it with a stick through the middle.
Yes, in one blooper reel, the basketball can be seen balancing on the stick without spinning.
Yes, Lil Nas X carried a basketball with him, apparently spinning it on his finger just like Seth in the show.
No, but he does come up with bad rhymes and commonly says "laters".

























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